One
minute you are a balanced functioning member of society; the next,
with no warning, you become a victim of violent crime,

On October
7, 1991, our daughter Monica was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
Our whole world changed in an instant. Shock and stunning disbelief
enveloped us in a fog of unreality. Our baby was dead.

Shortly after
our daughter’s death, I joined CAVEAT (Canadians
Against Violence.) I developed Monica’s story so that others
would not walk in her footsteps. Eight years later, the story evolved
into the
award-winning
National Film Board documentary, A
Love That Kills, which tells
the tragic story of Monica and identifies warning signs of abusive
relationships.
Wherever this film is presented, the impact is powerful. Young
men and young women from every culture and socio-economic group
come
forward
to share their personal experiences and to ask for help to deal
with violence.

We believe that young people need positive role
models, accurate information, access to resources and opportunities
to
talk about
their experiences
and their values with their peers and with adults.

We have developed
the CHOICES For Positive Youth Relationships to enhance the learning
opportunities of the film and to encourage
the
development
of skills and attitudes among young people that will foster safe
and responsible choices about interpersonal relationships.

It is
our hope
that the CHOICES For Positive Youth Relationships program
will serve as a catalyst for discussion and action so that youth
can
develop
the resources, skills and sense of self-worth that ultimately will
lead
them to make and sustain positive relationship choices.

I believe
that we all have an obligation to support our youth, so that they
can make
strong choices and resolve conflicts without abuse and violence.
When we all work together as a community team, we create a secure
safety
net for our children and grandchildren.

I invite you, as you use
the Facilitator’s Guide, to communicate with the Speers Society,
share your experiences and offer alternative suggestions for programming
that you have found to be effective.